Alexander Zverev has been forced to retire from his French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal after the German rolled his ankle and had to leave the court on a wheelchair.

With the match heading for a tie-break after three pulsating hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Zverev went over his right ankle and was left screaming in agony after what looked to be a horrendous injury. Zverev returned to the court to shake hands with Nadal and the umpire as he retired from the match.

The German was trailing by a set at the time, with his ankle giving way as he attempted to return a forehand shot.

Nadal crossed the court quickly to offer any possible aid or comfort, though the medical team was also on hand within moments.

Having initially left the court in a wheelchair, Zverev later returned on crutches and was unable to continue, leaving Nadal with a free pass into the final.

“Very tough. [I’m] very sad for him now,” the Spaniard said afterward.

“He was playing [an] unbelievable tournament and he’s a very good colleague on the tour. I know how much he’s fighting to win a Grand Slam but for the moment he was very unlucky. The only thing I’m sure about is that he’ll win not one, much more than one. I wish him all the best and very fast recovery.

“It was three hours and we didn’t even finish the second set - it’s one of the biggest challenges on the tour when he’s playing at this super high level.

“It’s difficult to say much in this situation.

“For me to be in the final of Roland Garros one more time is a dream without a doubt, but at the same time to finish that way, I’ve been there in the small room before with Sascha and to see him crying is a very tough moment.

“All the best to him.”

There he will face Casper Ruud or Marin Cilic, who are in action next at Roland Garros.